TOKYO –
Foreign vacationers are filling an interactive sumo present venue in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, the place former wrestlers introduce the fundamentals, guidelines and historical past of the game in English as Japan’s conventional pastime enjoys rising recognition at house and overseas.
“Yoisho, yoisho,” spectators shout in rhythm as former sumo wrestlers carry out shiko leg-stomping workouts. The venue for the Asakusa Sumo Room present has been drawing full homes, with each seat taken by guests from abroad.
The growth comes as sumo continues to draw sturdy curiosity internationally. The Grand Sumo Paris exhibition in June resulted in success, with a venue seating about 15,000 folks stuffed to capability every day. At official tournaments held in Japan, overseas guests now account for about 20% to 30% of spectators, underscoring the game’s rising enchantment each domestically and abroad.
Asakusa Sumo Room opened in January 2024, providing guests an opportunity to attempt sumo with former wrestlers. In addition to fundamental actions reminiscent of shiko and sliding footwork, friends can be taught the basics of sumo, together with its guidelines and historical past, with English commentary.
The venue holds 4 performances a day and operates year-round, gaining recognition as a simple approach to benefit from the enchantment of a world typically seen as tough to enter.
Source: Kyodo